virulindex 0 #1 February 11, 2008 I'm super new (just did my level 3 AFF this past Saturday) but I figure I better start looking at getting my own equipment for when I'm done with AFF. I'm figuring on getting an Alti-2. Anyone have an opinion on this? From what I've read it seems to be a pretty popular, durable, easily used altimeter and it's not too pricey. What I really would like is some opinions on my first jumpsuit. I think someday I'd like to possible get into some freeflying so it makes sense to me to get a freefly suit right now. On the other hand, that's a LONG ways off and I think I'll probably thrash my first couple suits before I even get to FF. What should I get for my 1st suit?! Thanks everyone! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moto89 0 #2 February 11, 2008 I'd say as far as a suit maybe look into a medium fitting (not skin tight or super baggy) RW suit without booties. Definitely look for one with grippers. With this suit you can do all sorts of disciplines, without having multiple suits. Later if you get into freeflying you can get a true freefly suit, and if you get into RW you can get a better suited jumpsuit with booties. For the time being though you'll be able to do a little of everything with a suit like this.Less talking, more flying. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
countzero 7 #3 February 11, 2008 Quote What should I get for my 1st suit?! Quote if you can, try to find a used 1 that fits pretty decently. or go with an inexpensive one. i went used for my first suit and with the non stand up landings i didn't mind the scrapes, grass stains, and dirt i got on it.diamonds are a dawgs best friend Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites 377 22 #4 February 11, 2008 Alti 2 mechanical altimeters are very fine units. You won't regret buying one. Parts and repair are available in the US. Even the old Altimaster 2 and 3 made by SSE (pre Alti-2) are good altimeters. Neptune (digital) has had some issues. Whatever you do dont buy a used SSE Altimaster V (five). They are poorly designed DOGS, can malfunction in a scary manner (free floating dial needle) and should be scrapped in my opinion. If you can afford it the L&B Altitrack ($299 new, about $250 used) is an awesome piece of gear combining an altimeter and a digital flight recorder into one compact unit. Look at the GEAR section on this website. Many different altimeters are reviewed. If you plan to do any high altitude jumps the old SSE Altimaster 2 goes higher than the version that Alti-2 made later. The advantage in Alti-2s changes/updates to the inner workings give you less range (18K (Alti-2) instead of at least 24K (SSE) possibly higher), but a stronger needle shaft which decreases the chances of having it break away from the dial pointer if you drop it on a hard surface. I'd recommend always jumping with one dirt simple mechanical altimeter and perhaps adding an electronic one as your second unit. I jump with 2 altimeters, one wrist (for me) and one chest mount on a pillow so others nearby can see it in an RW formation. A very simple basic function test if you are looking at a used altimeter is to put it in a zip lock bag, inflate the bag a bit, seal it, then squeeze on the bag to pressurize it. As you pressurize, the needle should go down in altitude. If you can put two in the bag you can compare readings. You do not want to buy a used altimeter with a sticky needle. Make sure it goes around smoothly, not in jerky movements. I'd DEFINITELY hold off on buying major gear (container, canopies etc) until you've made at least 25 solo jumps, and even then get some help from experienced jumpers and a rigger. Unfortunately there are people out there looking for newbies to overpay for their old junk. eBay has quite a bit of this outdated and sometimes dangerous old gear. Jumpsuit? Wear old coveralls for the next 20 jumps until you really know what you want in a jumpsuit. Buying gear too early is a mistake many new jumpers make. Welcome to skydiving!2018 marks half a century as a skydiver. Trained by the late Perry Stevens D-51 in 1968. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites slotperfect 7 #5 February 12, 2008 Alti-2 is the name of the manufacturer . . . which one of their products are you looking at?Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites virulindex 0 #6 February 12, 2008 I was looking at a new Galaxy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0 Go To Topic Listing
377 22 #4 February 11, 2008 Alti 2 mechanical altimeters are very fine units. You won't regret buying one. Parts and repair are available in the US. Even the old Altimaster 2 and 3 made by SSE (pre Alti-2) are good altimeters. Neptune (digital) has had some issues. Whatever you do dont buy a used SSE Altimaster V (five). They are poorly designed DOGS, can malfunction in a scary manner (free floating dial needle) and should be scrapped in my opinion. If you can afford it the L&B Altitrack ($299 new, about $250 used) is an awesome piece of gear combining an altimeter and a digital flight recorder into one compact unit. Look at the GEAR section on this website. Many different altimeters are reviewed. If you plan to do any high altitude jumps the old SSE Altimaster 2 goes higher than the version that Alti-2 made later. The advantage in Alti-2s changes/updates to the inner workings give you less range (18K (Alti-2) instead of at least 24K (SSE) possibly higher), but a stronger needle shaft which decreases the chances of having it break away from the dial pointer if you drop it on a hard surface. I'd recommend always jumping with one dirt simple mechanical altimeter and perhaps adding an electronic one as your second unit. I jump with 2 altimeters, one wrist (for me) and one chest mount on a pillow so others nearby can see it in an RW formation. A very simple basic function test if you are looking at a used altimeter is to put it in a zip lock bag, inflate the bag a bit, seal it, then squeeze on the bag to pressurize it. As you pressurize, the needle should go down in altitude. If you can put two in the bag you can compare readings. You do not want to buy a used altimeter with a sticky needle. Make sure it goes around smoothly, not in jerky movements. I'd DEFINITELY hold off on buying major gear (container, canopies etc) until you've made at least 25 solo jumps, and even then get some help from experienced jumpers and a rigger. Unfortunately there are people out there looking for newbies to overpay for their old junk. eBay has quite a bit of this outdated and sometimes dangerous old gear. Jumpsuit? Wear old coveralls for the next 20 jumps until you really know what you want in a jumpsuit. Buying gear too early is a mistake many new jumpers make. Welcome to skydiving!2018 marks half a century as a skydiver. Trained by the late Perry Stevens D-51 in 1968. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #5 February 12, 2008 Alti-2 is the name of the manufacturer . . . which one of their products are you looking at?Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
virulindex 0 #6 February 12, 2008 I was looking at a new Galaxy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
